Chapter 96

The next day.

As the sky brightened, Wugu Ancient City became bustling. The crowd instinctively gathered towards the city center, where the Auction Hall was located. This was the largest hall in the city, grand and magnificent. It usually remained closed, only opening its doors during auction periods to present its grandest facade.

This triennial event was particularly grand.

From a distance, one could see the armed guards standing on either side of the Auction Hall. This was a regular sight, and anyone causing trouble would be taken to the prison. If one wanted to fight, they had to go outside the city. After yesterday's incident, no one dared to fight openly anymore. The city lord's tea money was still very expensive.

This was something the major clans had already experienced.

As they passed by the Wangyue Tower, many people sighed. A good tavern, Zhao Yun had said, was blown up. However, someone would compensate for it, though it would take time and effort to rebuild.

Similarly, the Zhao family's armory was also being rebuilt.

"The Zhao family's future business will be hard to conduct."

"Provoking a major clan, how could they be at ease?"

"It's Zhao Yun being too showy. With so many major clans, he still dared to blow them up."

"Now, he has dragged his family into it."

"Are you out of your mind? Is it Zhao Yun being showy, or the major clans being too arrogant? I saw every detail in yesterday's memory crystal. It's clear who is right and who is wrong. If I were in his shoes, I would have done the same."

"True, but the major clans are not easy to provoke."

The street was filled with discussions, sighs, and complaints. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and with enough manpower, the rebuilding would be quick.

As they looked around, the crowd quickened their pace.

There were too many people attending the auction, and they needed to arrive early to secure a good spot.

In such a lively scene, Zhao Yun could not be absent.

He had left the armory early, found a secluded spot, and first changed his appearance, then put on a black robe. This was not an ordinary black robe; it was obtained from his enemy, Night Lone Wolf, made of special materials that could conceal both appearance and cultivation, making it impossible to detect. After doing this, he even attached a fake hand to avoid being recognized. If he really bid on something and formed enmities with others, they wouldn't suspect Zhao Yun.

The Auction Hall was already open, filled with people.

Zhao Yun was among them, entering with the crowd. This was not his first time here. The largest hall in Wugu Ancient City was even more luxurious than the largest tavern, with carved railings and jade steps, silk curtains, and various exotic flowers and plants, emitting a faint fragrance that was refreshing to the soul.

Everyone found their seats.

The Auction Hall was divided into three levels: the first level was the largest, the second level was reserved for the various clans of the city, all in private rooms, and the third level was exclusive to the major clans, such as Han Ming, Yewen Hao, Yan Kang, and Lin Xie, who would be on the third level.

This was a symbol of status.

However, it did not mean that the first level was weaker than the third. Many reclusive seniors and Earth Concealment Realm cultivators were hidden in the first level. Being low-key was better for an auction, as one might be targeted. Being alone was one thing, but if one had a family, one had to be more cautious, unless one was exceptionally strong, in which case even knowing one's identity wouldn't make them easily provokeable.

Zhao Yun was aware of this and found a corner seat.

"Fellow Daoist, you look unfamiliar!"

Accompanied by a leisurely voice, a person sat next to Zhao Yun. Upon closer inspection, it was Zhuge Xuandao, still in his coarse linen robe, but with a changed appearance. Zhao Yun might not have noticed, but in the eyes of the Moon Goddess, nothing was hidden.

This "unfamiliar" comment made Zhao Yun want to laugh.

Most people in the hall were wearing black robes and had changed their appearances, making it impossible to recognize anyone. It was strange if they didn't look unfamiliar! Who knew who belonged to which family.

Zhuge Xuandao was not very calm, constantly observing Zhao Yun.

Unfortunately, his vision was limited, or perhaps Zhao Yun's black robe was too extraordinary, blocking his view and making it impossible to discern Zhao Yun's appearance or cultivation.

"Old Daoist, being so low-key is not your style."

The fat old man also arrived, sitting between Zhao Yun and Zhuge Xuandao. He had also changed his appearance, but his stout body was still recognizable. His vision was not low, recognizing Zhuge but not Zhao Yun.

There were many familiar faces.

After the fat old man, the purple-haired child and Chi Yan arrived, choosing to sit here despite many other seats being available. The purple-haired child, in particular, was very practical, eating and taking everything on the table, consuming most of the tea and snacks.

What are you doing!

Zhao Yun couldn't help but frown. They had gathered at the armory and now at the auction. Was this a coincidence or intentional? How did they always find him so accurately!

"Has that Zhao Yun kid not come?"

The fat old man, with his hands in his sleeves, stroked his beard and looked around.

"If he didn't come, I'd eat shit standing on my head."

The purple-haired child's shocking statement made everyone, including Zhao Yun, turn their heads. Zhuge Xuandao and the fat old man stroked their chins, considering whether to throw this person into a latrine.

"Free food is free food."

The chubby child also arrived, sitting in a front row seat with a little miser, who had sneaked out. They were very practical, not there for the auction but for the food, eating and taking as they pleased.

"Hidden dragons and tigers."

Zhao Yun sighed inwardly. Just in the first level, there were many Earth Concealment Realm cultivators, some at the peak. They all had unique disguises to avoid attention. If not for the Moon Goddess, he wouldn't have known there were so many high-level cultivators. No wonder Yang Xiong had sent troops into the city, many of whom were gathered around the Auction Hall, providing additional security. If Earth Concealment Realm cultivators fought, the commotion would be significant.

As they spoke, the city's clans began to arrive.

Zhao Yun saw the head of the Wang family heading to the second level. As for the Wang family's young master, Wang Yang, he entered the first level in a black robe, well hidden.

Such a grand scene naturally included Liu Cangkong.

He walked with a confident stride, exuding an air of superiority.

Many people sneered.

To be honest, he was not very pleasant to look at. His family had a Heavenly Spirit Body, and he was a disciple of the Heavenly Sect. He seemed so capable, but one might accidentally ascend to the heavens.

Speaking of Liu Ruyue, she was also there, heading to the second level.

Next were the major clans, all unhidden: Yan Kang, Han Ming, and Yewen Hao, all with smirks on their faces, looking arrogant. Seeing them, people would recall yesterday's incident, where they were summoned for tea, looking disheveled and humiliated, a stark contrast to today.

The young master of the Black Flame Clan, Yin Hun, also arrived, entering the first level.

The young master of the Heavenly Sun Clan, Lin Xie, also arrived, entering the first level as well.

Coincidentally, they sat at the same table.

Both had hidden their identities, not knowing who the other was. If they knew, these two enemies might start a fight on the spot.

A nearby table was also interesting.

Sitting there were Qing Yao and You Lan, both disguised as men, quietly drinking tea, occasionally looking around, likely searching for the same person.

"Silence."

Amid the noise, an old man stepped onto the stage, known as Huang Yan, called Old Huang, the manager of the Auction Hall. It was said he had connections to the Heavenly Sect, and the Auction Hall had connections to the royal family, though the truth was unverified.

Though at the Profound Yang Realm, his words carried weight.

The noisy Auction Hall instantly became quiet.

"Everyone knows the rules, no need to repeat them. The auction begins."

Huang Yan was a decisive person, not wasting words and directly presenting the first item, a long wooden box carried by two attendants. It was clear the item inside was heavy, very heavy.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, the wooden box was opened.

A humming sound followed, with a chaotic aura of a blade, golden light, and flames. The flames were likely remnants from the forging process.

"Golden Blade."

The bidders' eyes lit up, especially those who specialized in physical cultivation, whose eyes shone the brightest. The blade was not ordinary, its aura intimidating. Without sufficient physical strength, one couldn't even lift it. It was a favorite among strength-based cultivators, capable of crushing or slicing through anything with a single strike.

"Indeed, a good start. The first item is already so impressive."

Many sighed, but this was expected. The Auction Hall always started with an impressive item for good luck.

Indeed, the atmosphere was already heated before the auction began.

Many were ready to bid, not to fight but to compete. In the Auction Hall, it was not about who was stronger but who had more money.

"Flame Golden Blade, forged from Golden Flame Steel, weighing 800 pounds."

Huang Yan explained briefly, not wasting words. The audience was knowledgeable and didn't need much explanation.

"Starting price: 10,000 taels. Each bid must be at least 1,000 taels higher."

Huang Yan's voice was clear and resonated throughout the Auction Hall.

"10,100."

"I like this blade very much. I'll bid 15,000 taels."

"20,000."

The starting price was announced, and the Auction Hall became lively. The price of the Flame Golden Blade soared, reaching 20,000 taels in a few moments. This price was already beyond the reach of many, not just solitary cultivators but even the city's clans.

"Good blade."

Zhao Yun's eyes also lit up. Compared to the Flame Golden Blade, his Purple Dawn Sword was just a piece of junk. But compared to the Dragon Abyss, the Flame Golden Blade was far inferior. One was made of Golden Flame Steel, the other from extraterrestrial meteoric iron, materials of different levels.

"Good blade."

Zhuge Xuandao and the fat old man also commented, but to them, it was only marginally acceptable, the material far inferior to Zhao Yun's Dragon Abyss Sword.

"30,000."

"I'll bid 35,000 taels. Try to outbid me if you can."

"I'll make it 40,000 taels to round it off."

"45,000 taels. You can rest now."

The auction for the Flame Golden Blade was intense, the atmosphere lively, and the tension high. Many bidders revealed their true strength, ready to fight if necessary.

"45,000 taels. Any more bids?"

Huang Yan said calmly, glancing at those who had revealed their strength, his eyes conveying a clear message: if you want to fight, go outside the city.

His words were very intimidating.

Huang Yan was not scary, but the Auction Hall was. Causing trouble here was not advisable unless one was at the Heavenly Martial Realm. For Earth Concealment and Profound Yang Realm cultivators, it was best to be calm.

"Any more bids?"

Huang Yan looked around the hall again, but no one responded.

45,000 taels was a significant amount. For ordinary cultivators, it was a lifetime's worth of savings. For clans, it was a substantial fortune. The major clans could participate, but they didn't lack weapons, and their target was not this blade. There were more impressive items to come.

Thus, the auction for the Flame Golden Blade concluded.

The winner was someone Zhao Yun recognized, an old man from Wugu Ancient City, disguised as a young man. He was delighted with the golden blade but also felt the pain of spending a lifetime's savings on it.

"Silence."

On the stage, the two attendants had already carried away the golden blade, and a jade box was placed on the table. Though sealed, it couldn't hide the fragrance of the medicinal pill, making the audience's eyes light up. Clearly, it contained a pill.

"A Bone-Shaping Pill, starting price: 5,000 taels."

Huang Yan said calmly. The effects of this pill were well-known to any knowledgeable cultivator, so he didn't waste words and started the auction directly.

"6,000."

"8,000. I must have this pill."

"10,000."

Pills, regardless of their quality, were valuable. Even if one had them, they were rarely sold. The Auction Hall was one of the few places to obtain such pills.

Rarity makes things valuable.

Alchemists were rare, and so were pills, always in high demand but short supply.

Most people in the hall were there for the pill.

As a result, the price of the pill soared to 30,000 taels in a few moments and continued to rise.

Zhao Yun closed his eyes, pretending to rest. A Bone-Shaping Pill, as the name suggests, was for strengthening bones. Those with innate spirit veins needed such pills to solidify their foundation. Most bidders were older, buying for their younger generations.

This pill was useless to him.

The Bone-Strengthening Technique was far more powerful than a Bone-Shaping Pill.

"40,000."

The last bidder was Lin Xie, speaking calmly, likely buying for a younger member of his clan, showing great resolve as a young master of a major clan.

"50,000."

After Lin Xie, Yin Hun also bid.

This drew attention from the audience. Sitting at the same table, they were now competing. With such proximity, would they start a fight at any moment?

"60,000."

"70,000."

"80,000."

"90,000."

The two were interesting, one leisurely fanning himself, the other calmly drinking tea; one bidding against the wind, the other going with it, both bidding calmly.

"Definitely from major clans." Many older people stroked their beards.

More people's hearts raced. Their money was measured in taels, while the major clans' money was measured in thousands, a vast difference.

"Major clans should have alchemists."

Many muttered, surprised by the intense competition for a Bone-Shaping Pill.

"Too simplistic."

The older people's words were profound. Over 80% of alchemists were either in the royal family or the Heavenly Sect. Those in the public were mostly low-level. Hiring them was very expensive, and they might not even be able to produce the desired pill, a common occurrence.

Thus, it was a lucrative profession.

Alchemists, the prerequisite being fire, might not even become alchemists even if they had it. True alchemy techniques were not available in the public, monopolized by the royal family and the Heavenly Sect. This was why pills were in high demand but short supply. The materials for alchemy were not expensive, but the pills were not available on the market, making them very expensive.

The same applied to weapon makers.

The royal family and the Heavenly Sect were very dominant, monopolizing both alchemy and weapon making. The weapons and pills available on the market were mostly low-quality, not even considered proper weapons or pills, as they were not made using true alchemy or weapon-making techniques.

"Xiu'er, when will you teach me alchemy?"

Zhao Yun thought, looking at the Moon Goddess expectantly.

"When you have celestial fire."

The Moon Goddess said lazily, then closed her eyes to rest.